Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Myths of skiing injuries debunked by physician’s study.

Myths of skiing injuries debunked by physician's study.

The vivid images of wrecks disasters and injuries from the sport media are not real.

An article Doctor seeks to debunk skiing myths looks at a study published by Dr. Robert Johnson in the November/December issue of Sports Health. The study was titled Myths Concerning Alpine Skiing Injuries and authored by Robert J. Johnson, MD, Carl F. Ettlinger, Ettlinger, Ettlinger, MS and Jasper E. Shealy, PhD.

The results of this study even caught me off guard, and I have been studying the ski industry for more than twenty years. The study looked at twelve common myths in the industry.

1) "Skiing is among the most dangerous activities." The fatality rate makes it safer than driving a car and slightly more dangerous than riding a bicycle per million hours of exposure.

2) "Broken legs have been traded for blown-out knees." Knee injuries increasing and broken legs decreasing in skiing occurred at different times and are not related. See number 11 below for an interesting twist on this issue.

3) "All you need know is your DIN (release indicator value) number and you can adjust your bindings." There are four different factors used to determine the correct DIN, height, weight, skiing ability and boot sole length. Even knowing these may not be enough because how the boot fits into the binding is also critical.

4) "Toe and heel pieces must be set to the same Release Indicator Value or the bindings won't function right." No, see study 3 above.

5) "Formal ski instruction will make you safer. This is not true. However, every ski resort in the US argues with this result. Personally, I would have disagreed with this study if a ski lesson taught you how to fall, however, now I am confused based on study 9 below.

6) "The shorter the ski, the less torque is applied to the leg in a fall. Therefore, short skis don't need release bindings." There is a 3 to 20--fold increase in broken ankles and tibias from using short skis. You should use releasable bindings on these skis also.

7) "Young bones bend rather than break, so there's no point spending a lot of money on children's equipment." Children have the highest risk to equipment related injuries so properly functioning equipment is critical for them.

8) "When buying boots for children, leave plenty of room for fast-growing feet." If a child's boot does not foot there is an increased chance of a lower leg fracture. I think this is common sense.

9) "If you think you're going to fall, just relax and let it happen." This always seemed to work for me, however the study indicates differently. You should fall however, you should assume the position of a parachutist landing and tense your muscles and joints to stiffen and protect them.

10) "Exercise is the best way to avoid skiing-related injuries." This is going to mess up consumer magazines that constantly have articles on getting in shape for skiing. This does not mean that being in shape will not be a better skiing experience, it just will not change your chance of injury.

11) "Tighter standards that mandate lower release setting will reduce the risk of an ACL injury." This has been known in the industry for years and is one of the common misconceptions in the industry. Knee injuries are not related to your binding releasing or how your binding releases.

12) "Buying new ski equipment is safer than renting." Rental equipment is maintained. After skiing for ten days and driving to the slopes with your skis on top of your car if you do not have your skis and bindings checked you have a greater risk of an injury.

Robert J. Johnson, MD, Carl F. Ettlinger, MS and Jasper E. Shealy, PhD, are well known in the ski industry for their research into skiing industry injuries. Johnson and Shealy are the editors of the ASTM Skiing Trauma and Safety 17th Volume, which is the standard of ski industry research.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

First report out on Devil’s Head Lift Accident

The following statement of the cause of the lift accident last Thursday evening at Devil's Head Ski Resort was released.

Jo Vittengl said that the accident was a "mechanical malfunction." He said they found a "break" in the equipment that sent the chair lift sliding into reverse, causing 14 injuries last Thursday night. Vittengl said he is gathering information on the exact findings of the resort's insurance company-hired inspector, but that "something snapped'' and "broke."


See Resort Manager Says Chair Lift Accident Was 'Mechanical Malfunction'


The State of Wisconsin is continuing its investigation into the lift accident.

For other blog posts about the accident see:

Lift Accident at Wisconsin's Devil's Head Resort


Devil's Head Ski Resort has six lifts closed



Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Ski Magazine is offering a free family ski vacation contest.

Ski Magazine is offering a free family ski vacation to the winner's of its Family Ski Getaway
contest. The winners will receive a four day to trip to either Smuggler's Notch, Steamboat or Northstar-at-Tahoe. nformation about the contest can be found at Win a Family Ski Getaway!


Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Holiday Single Day Lift Ticket Prices

The Summit Daily had an article about lift ticket prices creeping towards $100 for the holidays.

    Copper Mountain                            $89.00

    Aspen Skiing Co.                            $89.00 now     $96.00

    Beaver Creek                                 $89.00

    Vail                                                $89.00     last year $97.00 (but prices may still go up.)

    Breckenridge                                  $85.00

    Keystone                                        $85.00

    A-Basin                                         $65.00 (A Basin does not change its ticket prices for the holidays)

    Steamboat                                      $97.00

    Telluride                                         $95.00

    Deer Valley                                    $90.00

    Stowe Vt.                                       $89.00

See Ski resorts nudge lift tickets toward $100.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Devil’s Head Ski Resort has six lifts closed

Six of the ten lifts at Devil Head Ski Resort have been closed for inspection. The State of Wisconsin Department of Commerce is heading up the investigation into the lift accident that occurred December 17, 2009. See Lift Accident at Wisconsin's Devil's Head Resort. All lifts are being inspected again at the resort.


It is not clear if the State closed the lifts or the closures were voluntary. The lifts were inspected by a third party inspected prior to opening this season.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Lift Accident at Wisconsin’s Devil’s Head Resort

Numerous news sources and blogs are reporting a lift accident at Wisconsin's Devil's Head Resort. Allegedly, a lift brake failed to keep the wire from rolling backwards. Fourteen people were taken to local hospitals.

See Wisconsin Ski Lift Accident Leaves More Than a Dozen Injured and At Least 14 Injured in Wisconsin Ski Lift Accident.


 

Mountain Media Takes Nasty Spill after Confrontation with Vail Resorts

Mountain Media Takes Nasty Spill After Confrontation with Vail Resorts

When the New York Times writes about a reporter for a small (both figuratively and literally) newspaper in Summit County, Colorado, something is up.

Other headlines about this story include:


Reporter: I was fired for taking on the ski industry




Greene: Advertising flap snowballs for Vail Resorts




Journalist Fired After Critical Report Published



Vail resorts, the evil empire of the Rockies?

For more comments on this issue, see www.rec-law.blogspot.com.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

OSHA Officially recommending helmets for ski area employees

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has posted a recommendation on its website for employees of ski areas to wear helmets. The post is:

'QuickTips' for ski resort workers to stay safe on the job

In March, a ski patroller died after a fall while on duty in the backcountry of a mountain resort. She was not wearing a helmet. Ski season is here, so OSHA is encouraging ski resort employers and workers, especially ski patrollers, to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from severe injury while on the job. Personal protective equipment is one of the first lines of defense against injury. OSHA's Personal Protective Equipment Safety and Health Topics Web page offers information about what standards apply to PPE, what PPE is appropriate for workplace hazards, and ways PPE can be evaluated and improved.


The OSHA post can be found at OSHA Quick Takes for December 1, 2009, Volume 8, Issue 22.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

New USFS Ski Safety Videos

The website California Snow has is hosting several videos by the US Forest Service on Skier Safety. Eight different videos speak to several different issues in skiing in and out of bounds. Although hosted by California Snow, the videos would work for any ski area, whether on US Forest Service land or not. The eight USFS videos cover:

            Back Country

Friday, December 11, 2009

Dew Tour coming to Breckenridge Colorado December 17-20, 2009

The Dew Tour is stopping by Summit County. The tour will make its first stop of the 09-10 riding season in Breckenridge on Peak 8. The tour will be in town December 17 through 20, 2009. For more information, see Breckenridge.com.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Writing a blog can sometimes be a riot

Don't borrow your boyfriends ski pass, or at least finish the sex change….

The Summit Daily reported in an article Ski pass faker claims sex change to avoid criminal impersonation
that the Summit County Sheriff's department had contacted the parents of a Summit County man to see if he was really having a sex change operation. The story gets better from there and you need to read it to enjoy it.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Chance to win Five Day Trip to Jackson Hole Resort for Two

Vibram, is the world leader in high-performance rubber soles. You may have read some buzz about us recently due to our popular Five Fingers shoe, but our soles are also standard issue for some of the world's best snowboard boot brands, which leads me to why I am contacting you in the first place.

Vibram is getting psyched for the winter by partnering with Jackson Hole for our Grip Your World Giveaway sweepstakes from now through December 10 to give away weekly prizes including Burton and K2 snowboard boots, and Vibram Five Fingers. One grand prize winner will also win a 5-day trip to Jackson Hole for two, including airfare, hotel and lift tickets. We're definitely pumped about this contest, and thought your readers might be as well! It's also ridiculously easy to enter (no long forms or excessive fields, etc.), which is a big bonus. Check it out here: http://www.gripyourworld.com/

Monday, December 7, 2009

New Snowsports Industry Magazine from the UK

Winter Sports Technology International is a new magazine covering the technology of skiing and winter sports. The launch issue was massive, 128 pages and 31 articles about the equipment, lifts, snowcats and other technology in the ski industry. Subscriptions are free if you are in the industry.

I would suggest if you are interested in staying current in the ski industry or are getting into the ski industry to subscribe to this magazine.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

How are Snowboard made: Signal Snowboards Video shows you.

Signal Snowboards has two videos posted on their site that show you how snowboards are made.

Signal Board Build Video 1

Signal Board Build Video 2

The first video includes a pretty neat tour of the factory.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

The PIVOT is back.

Park City, Nov 30th, 2009: Look Bindings has officially re-launched the legendary Pivot binding-the most trustworthy alpine binding in the history of alpine skis. The Pivot delivers more precision and performance, combined with the famous retention and prevention of pre-release that made the binding a stand-out.

 "Athletes and consumers of all ages were tired of worrying about pre-release and bindings breaking. They demanded the return of the famous Pivot, so here it is," says North American Freeskiing Team Manager Matt Rihm. "The team is extremely excited to have this binding back under their feet this season. It doesn't matter if it's a jibber or big mountain skier, this binding holds up better in any aggressive skiing situation than other bindings on the market, it's bomb proof."

The Pivot's seven points of boot contact and high range of elastic travel help make it the leader in preventing pre-release. The widest binding footprint on the mountain, shortest mounting zone and full metal construction, make it the best performing alpine binding on the market. The Pivot features the legendary "turntable" heel piece that rotates under the heel of the boot instead of behind the boot to more accurately control retention and release. The translation: Look's Pivot bindings deliver greater control over the ski and more reliable release when you need it.

The Look Pivot, and sister binding, the Rossignol FKS, are available in two DIN ranges, 5-14 and 8-18 and are available at a specialty retailer near you or on line at Lookpivot.com or Rossignol.com.

Click Here to check out the new Pivot Video on Newschoolers.com!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

G3 Genuine Guide Gear Testing the 2010-11 Ski Line at Whistler, BC, Canada

I had the great opportunity to go to Whistler Ski Resort in BC Canada and participate in the G3 Genuine Guide Gear testing of the 2010-2011 ski line. I was very impressed with the last 2 years of G3 skis, having switched all of my skiing over to G3. However, I cannot wait until the 2010-2011 line comes out.



The top of Whistler Mountain



I also had the opportunity to put the Onyx Binding through its paces along with some professional help on how it really works. And it does really work and does so very easily!






Ski testing is very different from what you might imagine. With the powder flying everywhere you would think we would just take off flying all over the mountain, but that is not quite how things worked. We started out by skiing one run to familiarize ourselves with the run. We then went and tried a pair of skis on that one run. On the ride back up we completed our score card for that pair of skis, went and got another pair of skis and went back to the very same run and tried to ski it the same way we had the second time. So the same run time after time with a new pair of skis each time, evaluating the skis as we rode the lift.





Looking towards Blackcomb from the top of Whistler



We kept track of the skis, the binding, the ski length, the time and dozens of factors for each skis.

Another interesting thing I learned was the differences various bindings would have on the skis. I never imagined that one binding would make a ski handle so differently from another binding.






The new Peak to Peak Gondola that runs between Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains.



That evening we sat down and as a group reported our findings for each skis. Again, I was amazed at how different people evaluated skis. The pure backcountry enthusiasts look for something completely different from someone who skied mostly inbounds. The same was dependent on ski size, skiing ability and how some people skied. All of those factors were taken into account by G3 in its evaluation of our comments on the skis.







Overall, it was a wonderful opportunity, extremely educational and great trip with fantastic people.


Thanks for the education and opportunity G3! and great trip with fantastic people.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Both You and I Can Control Risk

By BeckyAurora Thompson

For the past 10 weeks, I have been taught how, as a ski area employee, I can eliminate, avoid, decrease the severity or frequency, manage, insure, transfer, or ignore the risk of an accident occurring.

While I can do my part as a ski area employee to control risk, it should not be entirely my responsibility. As a guest, you have control over risk also.

Ski areas try to decrease the severity of accidents by telling guests to slow down. They do this through the use of signs and the Slow Patrol. However, you can do your part by listening to the Slow Patrol, which will make everyone's day better. If you are an experienced skier/rider that does not want to slow down in the slow zones, go down a different trail.

You can avoid the risk or decrease the severity of getting frost bite by dressing appropriately. Believe it or not, there is a reason why ski areas advise you to not wear things like cotton, blue jeans, and 3 pairs of socks. There is a reason why they suggest sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, goggles and warm, waterproof outerwear. There are also wonderful base and on-hill lodges that serve more of a purpose than just selling merchandise with the ski area's logo on it and over-priced slices of pizza.

You can manage your risk by taking a lesson. By taking a lesson, your skills improve. As your skills improve, you will be better able to avoid those less skilled than yourself. If you don't understand the instructions that a ski area employee provided you with, ask for clarification.

A great way of avoiding the risk is to pick up a trail map. Not only do they make a great souvenir, but they also tell you that by riding up XYZ chairlift, you will only be able to access "most difficult" and "expert terrain". Reading signs also informs you of things such as "You are entering the terrain park" and "This lift serves only expert terrain".

Following the Skier Responsibility Code helps decrease the frequency of accidents. The Skier Responsibility Code contains such things as: stay in control, be able to stop or avoid objects, it is your responsibility to avoid people ahead of you, do not stop where you cannot be seen from above, yield to others when starting downhill or merging with a trail, observe signs, stay out of closed areas, and know how to use the lift.

By working together to control risk, both you (the guest) and I (the ski area employee) can have a wonderful season.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Korean Ski Resorts

By Taeho Park

Colorado has been famous for long time because of its great environment for winter sports. The land is located in the Rocky Mountain area where it is covered by fresh powder snow every winter, and since it snows a lot, Colorado's mountains and fields have become a skier's paradise. Basically, every winter sport, imaginable, can be enjoyable in this blessed land. However, there are also plenty of ski areas in the world, and they operate in quite a different style in contrast to Colorado. Ergo, much can be compared between Asian ski areas, specifically Korean ski areas, and Colorado ski areas.



Korea is known as second largest and most popular ski area in the Asia. The biggest reason for this is most Asian countries are affected by South Eastern Asia's exclusive warm climate. Consequently, the people who live in those areas visit Korea to experience real snow and winter sports. The climate of Korea is quite different compared to Colorado. Korea is in a monsoon climate and has four seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter. Korea has nearly twenty ski resorts, and interestingly, most major ski areas are located in Gangwon-do, one of the eight states of South Korea, because of its suitable skiing environment. The area of Gangwon-do is 16,894 km², of which four-fifths are mountain area and woodlands. There are a variety of well developed leisure sports which gives a tremendous experience every season. Winter officially begins in December, and it goes to end of March; skiing season lasts approximately four months. However, since the area gets massive snows in winter, Gangwon-do becomes the most popular place to enjoy winter sports in Korea. Korea has several indoor ski areas, but they cannot replace outdoor mountain skiing because of their lack of reality. Alpine skiing and snowboarding are the two dominating major winter sports, but Telemark skiing, Nordic and new-school skiing, and other minor winter sports are increasing at the moment.                  





 In winter, Korean ski areas do not expect the same amount of natural snow that Colorado ski areas expect. Of course, Colorado ski areas have started to worry about less snow since new millennium, but Korean ski areas have a more severe problem: running ski resorts without natural snows. Additionally, most ski areas are not big and wide enough, except couple of major ski resorts, to hold large amounts of people and major winter events, such as X-Game or Winter Olympics. Therefore, Korean ski areas focus more on facilities than Colorado ski areas. For example, most Korean ski areas are equipped with newer snow making machines, which make quality snow above the freezing point. They also perform thorough grooming on every ski runs which is unusual, compared to Colorado. This various elements show noticeable differences between Korean ski areas and Colorado ski areas. Naturally, Korean skiers are trained to ski on well-groomed artificial snows, so they tend to possess carving skiing skills and are not fond of natural powder snows. Not having snow and a natural environment are seemingly impossible to overcome, but Korean ski areas are finding their own way to survive.;

Korean ski areas are tending to obtain newer facilities. The Korean ski resorts' chair-lift could be the most significant difference when compared to ski areas in Colorado. Almost all Korean ski areas are running at least quadruple detachable lift as an average model, even in some minor ski areas on the small mountains. Furthermore, nearly all major ski resorts have very new gondolas or 8 seats detachable lift systems, even though their mountains are not significantly bigger than Colorado Mountains. Ironically, these are hardly seen in Colorado ski areas, even with gigantic mountain size. Unbelievably, fixed-grip lift system and most old school surface lifts, such as t-bar and j-bar, eventually vanish. As a result, most young Korean generations have not even seen Bull-wheel or any type of bar or tow lifts. The reason for this surprising passion towards a new machine occurred because of their capacity. They have limited space for ski areas, but extremely huge numbers of skiers are visiting in their peak season. The ski areas do not want to hold the impatient Korean skiers in the long line to the lift. Consequently, Korean ski areas try to carry the skiers quickly and safely to the top of the mountain. However, large numbers of skiers wait in long lines, and this problem happens every weekend in Korean ski areas, despite the ski areas' enormous efforts. This could be the problem the Korean ski areas need to solve.          






 Korean ski areas have also developed a very remarkable marketing system for their sophisticated local skiers. Mostly, the ski areas are located in the north part of Korea; this area is not easy to access, especially in the winter. This handicap made the ski areas desperate; subsequently, they created a very localized transportation system. They run shuttle buses to almost every major city in Korea and this bus system especially spotlights Seoul, the capital city of Korea, where virtually 10 million people live. In addition, the ski areas cooperate with the train service. As a result, they made specialized trip packages to the ski resorts. Ergo, almost all Korean people who want to enjoy winter sports can easily visit the ski resorts, and the ski areas have overcome their biggest handicap.


The ski areas also provide vouchers or coupons through the internet and wireless network, so people with a cell phone, roughly 90% of Koreans, can simply take advantage. Many ski resorts have their own customers' community clubs on the internet, which are usually created by the loyal customers, and offer them free space to relax and keep their gear for free. Night skiing is not so strange anymore in Colorado too, but every ski resort in Korea is offering nights skiing; moreover, some of them are running their ski areas until 5 am. Every major ski area offers modernized facilities and array of reliable and comfortable accommodations.

Another considerable difference with Korea ski areas is multi-faceted business system. They are trying to become multi-business resorts that have a ski area as a part of their system. They do not want to have only ski areas in their resorts, but also require huge water parks or a compact amusement park or casino. These facilities could be very unique features that Colorado ski areas do not have yet. Also, these non-skiing resort facilities are certainly appealing to all generations, especially those who do not enjoy skiing or snowboarding. Moreover, these multi-business ski resorts require a big supermarket, fast-food chains, fitness center, sauna, bowling alley, game room, conference room, daycare center, night club, bar, singing room, Korean/Western restaurants, sports shop, photo studio, souvenir shop, PC room, art shop, and kid's playground mixed in with the ski resorts. These features automatically imply that Korean ski areas are trying to transform to total family vacation resorts.                  

At this time, most ski areas in the world are struggling really hard to create new revenue models. Unfortunately, Colorado ski areas cannot be exempt from this harsh truth, despite the perfect natural environment for winter sports. Korean ski resorts are also dealing with many critical dilemmas. An economic disaster drives people to be more careful with money, and numbers of new recreational activities, such as traveling, are becoming a real thorn in the ski industry's side. Nevertheless, Korean ski areas are not giving up and are trying to fight against with those threats. Colorado ski areas also need to discover a better and innovative way to recapture the golden age of skiing.




Sources:


Wikipedia: article about the ski resorts < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ski_resorts>

Visit Korea: Korea tour guide < http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/index.kto>


Gangwon-do Tourism Information brochure


Pictures:

Daemyung Vivaldi Park

High one ski resorts

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Ski Area Operations Risk Management

By Cory Gard

One of the most important classes you can take while participating in the Ski Area Operations program at CMC is Risk Management.  The majority of classes offered are intended to introduce you to the various aspects of ski area operations and are followed with labs and On the Job Training (OJT) hours. Risk management is not something that you want to learn OJT, being proactive is always the best practice.  Most upper level management routinely preaches safety and then pushes productivity and cost reduction.

Risk management involves both the guests and employees. As a manager it may become easy to get caught up in day to day operations and forget that prevention may take a few extra minutes now, but will save a lot of headaches in the long run.  Another reason that it is important for management to be proactive in risk management is workers compensation is very expensive for companies. Employees often don't know what benefits they are entitled so the easier management makes it for them to get taken care of, the quicker the employee can return (and want to return) to work.

Remember, taking a few extra minutes now will save you several hours (and lots of paperwork) later.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Ski Area Operations at Colorado Mountain College

By Zac Schrieber


When you say you are going to be going to college for Ski Area Operations degree who are not involved in the ski industry just laugh and say I didn't know there was college for ski bums. It's true though, everyone in the program loves the skiing or riding so much we all want it to be a part of our lives forever. Even when you explain to other "normal" college students they just laugh when you tell them you are driving a snow cat or making snow for class but they do not realize the experience SAO students get and how well respected the program is in the industry. Anyone graduating from the program has more experience than somebody trying to join the industry off the streets, but most managers at resorts want employees to learn their job on the job. What I realized this year when I went to an interview this year was that it was not only the experiences that I have gained but the commitment the program shows a person has to the ski industry. If you have studied and paid for two years of schooling you are pretty committed to our industry and are probably not just a ski bum who is here for the season. A Ski Area Operations student could explain to someone who doesn't realize why someone would pay for school to be a ski bum that the average American works 86,000 hours in their life why wouldn't you want to work in the ski industry and have fun at work every day.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Congratulations to Steven Gravatt

Steven Gravatt is the 2009 winner of the Bud Mayhew Scholarship. The scholarship of $750.00 is awarded annual to students pursuing a career in ski area operations.

Steven is planning on graduating this year. In addition to going to school full time at CMC Steven is a Lift Operator Lead for Breckenridge Resort. Steven got a write up in the NSAA Journal and this blog!

Congrats Steven!

Friday, October 9, 2009

Cross Country Snowboarding

For all of you snowboarders out there a new sport. Nordic Snowboarding

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w7sVSMbjyM

For all of you skiers out there, you all ready know this, but it will make you smile!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Job: TERRAIN PARK SNOWCAT OPERATOR

Requirements:

  • Applicant must have 3 years experience operating snowcats, at least 2 in terrain parks
  • Applicant must have prior experience designing and building terrain park features
  • Applicant must be an experienced snowboarder or skier who is capable of using most of the features they build
  • Applicant must be adaptable to unexpected changes, have a positive attitude, and be able to work well with others
  • Applicant must be able to lift up to 75lbs
  • A pre-employment drug screening will be required

 
 

Job Description:

  • To work in conjunction with our current park builders to design and construct all 3 terrain parks at the Summit at Snoqualmie.
  • To work about 50 hours per week, 5 days a week
  • Perform light mechanical duties as well as pre-op/post-op machine checkouts.
  • Some park specific snowmaking duties included
  • Full time position available, pay determined on experience


 

Apply online at: http://www.summitatsnoqualmie.com or send resume to: mmoore@summiti90.com

Heavens, Ski Resorts aren’t 100% truthful about snowfall?

Dartmouth College studied ski resort snow reports and participation data. Dartmouth discovered that resorts report 23 percent more snow on weekends, but no such increase in participation occurs.

The researchers theorize that resorts near cities that attract weekend crowds inflate their snow totals to draw guests.

However a new iPhone application made it easier to communicate real time snow conditions and resorts with good iPhone reception the exaggeration fell sharply.

The study is preliminarily labeled "Snowed: Deceptive Advertising at Ski Resorts."

See No Kidding.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Second Resort Schedule to Open at Noon October 7….Outside Las Vegas!

Ski Area Management is reporting that Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort is going to open October 7 at noon. The SAM article Las Vegas Ski Area Opens for the Season states the resort is opening seven weeks early this year.

Loveland making snow for opening day tomorrow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-1TLNPXHl0

SAM Announces Loveland to Open Tomorrow.

Ski Area Management is announcing that Loveland Ski Area will open tomorrow October 7, 2009. See Loveland to Open First in North America

Snowbowl Ski Area in Arizona being sued again to stop expansion, this time for recycling water

Snowbowl is being sued by a group of citizens to stop its expansion and adding snowmaking to the resort. The argument is the use of reclaimed sewer water to make the snow.

The resort just survived a suit by 13 Native American tribes over expansion on what they consider a sacred mountain. That suit went to the ninth circuit court of appeals and upheld the ski areas right to expand.

The suit claims there maybe dangers if you eat the snow made from the recycled water.

Don't eat the snow then?

See Health dangers of sewer water snowmaking should be considered

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Is this the 21st century or just 1970? Article about Female Snowcat drivers

Ski Area Management posted an article Cat Women on its website. The article goes on to tout the virtues of several female snowcat drivers in our industry. The article reads like something form the 70's however, like women driving snowcats is a new idea and something rarely seen on the slopes.

Obviously Ski Area Management has not seen the Colorado Mountain College
Ski Area Operations program or its graduates.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

USDA Forest Service has published its new Outfitting and Guide Administrative Guidebook

The Forest Service has published its latest version of its Outfitting and Guide Administrative Guidebook. The Guidebook can be found at: Outfitting and Guide Administrative Guidebook.

All permitees or people wishing to conduct commercial activities on USDA Forest Service land should know and understand this book. Most ski areas in the western US operate on US Forest Service lands.

The Chapter Headings are:

Monday, September 21, 2009

Ski Area Updates

Moonlight Basin, Montana: Moonlight Basin is facing foreclosure: Moonlight Basin in Montana borrowed $100 million dollars from Lehman Brothers to finance continued development of the property. At present the resort owes $86.9 million and is in foreclosure.

See Moonlight Basin facing foreclosure

Battle Mountain Ski Resort, Minturn Colorado. Bobby Ginn gave up his company's stake in the Battle Mountain Ski Area outside of Minturn Colorado. The resort will be continued by a private investment company. Crave Real Estate Ventures.

For a background on the resort and info on this see: Ginn drops out of Vail Valley ski resort

Tamarack Resort, Idaho: Tamarack Resort is trying to keep the bankers foreclosing on various parts of the resort at bay. An Idaho Judge ruled recently that a bank could not repose the chairlifts. However it will be an issue if the resort will open this winter.

See Tamarack Resort fights off banks, searches for a buyer

Middlebury College Ski Area, Vermont: Middlebury College Ski Area is getting a $1.7 million dollar 3 person chairlift. The new chair replaces a 40 year old 2 person chair.

See Middlebury College Ski Area Getting Face-"Lift"

Sun Valley Idaho: Sun Valley Ski Resort has filed paperwork to the base area by 140 acres.

See Ski resort files papers for new project

Swain Resort, Vermont: The owners of Ski Denton in Coudersport, PA will take over operation of Swain Resort in Vermont. The resort was scheduled for liquidation if it did not sell by August 15, 2009.

See Ski Denton owners to take over Swain resort

Sleeping Giant Ski Area, Wyoming. Sleeping Giant Ski Area in Northern Wyoming will open Thanksgiving Day. The resort has been closed since 2004. Skiable terrain will increase from 45 to 180 acres. Lifts as well as a terrain park will be added. Yea!!

See Another Ski Resort to Open in 2009!!!

Friday, September 18, 2009

Event: Ski Season Kickoff Party 2009 to Benefit the Colorado Avalanche Information Center

Event: Ski Season Kickoff Party 2009

"A Fundraising Event for CAIC / FOBP / BSA"

What: Fundraiser

Start Time: Wednesday, September 30 at 5:00pm End Time: Wednesday, September 30 at 9:00pm

Where: Bent Gate Mountaineering

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:

http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=133118014003&mid=11c5926G1e5dc624G35471b9G7

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

SAM Terrain Park Contest,

The deadline for submissions to our Terrain Park contest is October 1st (two weeks away!).  Check out last year's entries and three top winners on our website at http://www.saminfo.com/tpcontest

We invite you to share your latest and greatest inventions, or brilliant progression ideas, or awesome events with us. It can be your signature big air stuff or features that were so simple, yet, so brilliant.

Chosen entries will run in our upcoming November issue and SAM's website and the top three will receive a loot bag from our generous sponsors - Burton, Pistenbully, Prinoth, Zaugg, World Cup Supply and SAM Magazine.

Please send a high resolution photo (300 dpi jpeg or tif), plus a brief description, to Jenn Rowan at jenn@saminfo.com.

Or, mail images or drawings to:

SAM Magazine

ATTN: TP Contest

45 main Street N.  

Woodbury, CT 06798

Monday, September 14, 2009

Old Ski Resort Coming Back to Life

Sleeping Giant Ski Resort will be open for Thanksgiving Day. This resort, closed for the last five years, is located near the east entrance of Yellowstone National Parks in Shoshone National Forest.

The resort has undergone significant changes with skiable terrain expanding from 45 acres to 180 acres. New lifts and a terrain park will be added also.

For information about the resort opening see Another Ski Resort to Open in 2009!!!. For a history of the resort see Colorado Ski History.com and to follow the progress of the resort follow the resort's web page at http://www.yellowstonerec.com/

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Banff Sulphur Mountain Gondola turned 50

The Banff, Canada Sulphur Mountain Gondola turned 50 this past July. Over 18 million riders have taken the trip to the top of the mountain since it was first installed July 18, 1959.

The ride takes 8 minutes to the 7486 summit in fully enclosed four passenger cabins.

Happy 50th to the Banff Gondola

Monday, September 7, 2009

Ski Resort sold Online

Winterhorn Ski Area in Switzerland was sold in an online auction. The resort which was facing bankruptcy. The resort was for sale for $232,000. The resort is located in the village of Hospental in the Ursern Valley of central Switzerland and had two drag lifts and a double chair. The lifts serve 20 KM runs and over 1000 m of vertical.

Going once, twice, SOLD: Swiss ski resort auctioned online

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Number One Rule when Working at a Ski Resort: Keep Yourself Safe

Number Two Rule: Keep your fellow Worker's Safe

A $250,000 fine was levied against a Canadian Ski Resort for the death of a ski area worker. Karl Stunt was 25 years old when he was hit by a metal bar while working on a chairlift at Sunshine Village in Banff National Park. Mr. Stunt spent several days in a coma before dying.

The fine was levied under the Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Act against the resort for failing to ensure the health and safety of its workers. The fine will go towards an endowment at the Selkirk College in British Columbia which has a ski resort operations and management program.

The judge who found the resort liable stated the death occurred due to a "momentary inattention or carelessness of three employees of Sunshine Village at the same time."

For more information see Banff ski hill fined $250,000 for death of worker and Sunshine Village Corp. has been ordered to pay more than $250,000 in fines and penalties in connection to the 2004 death of a ski hill worker.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Deer Valley Resort adding first North American Funicular

Dear Valley Resort, of Park City Utah is installing North America's first funicular. The lift will link Dear Valley's Snow Park to the New St. Regis Deer Crest Resort higher on the mountain.

The funicular will ascend the 500 fee in 90 seconds. The cabins can hold 15 passengers with a separate area for luggage. The cabins will also be self leveling and can operate independtly.

See First Ski Resort Funicular in North America Nearing Completion in Utah

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Tamarack Resort Reverts to Owners

The Tamarack Resort bankruptcy has run out of money for operation so the bankruptcy judge has given the resort to its owners. Credit Suisse Group, which had been funding the operation, has turned off the money spigot.

This creates an unusual situation because the owners are broke and owe Credit Suisse Group $300 million. Speculation is the resort will fall apart and into disrepair as there is no one takes care of the facilities.

In separate litigation Bank of America Corp is attempting to repose two ski lifts it financed.

How do you repo ski lift?

See Tamarack Resort reverts to owners' control

Monday, August 24, 2009

Steamboat Springs to receive New Leitner-Poma Gondola


A developer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Resort Ventures West has signed a deal to build a Leitner-Poma gondola between its Wildhorse Meadows development and the resort. Construction is expected to be completed by February 2010.
The Gondola will carry 340 people her hour and take four minutes to carry passengers to the resort.
See Deal Means New Gondola in Steamboat.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Speculation Abounds as to How Intrawest is Going to do with its Debt Load with Refinancing Looming.

Intrawest is facing refinancing a $1.7 billion in loan in October. The heaviest speculation is that Intrawest will be forced to sell properties to pay down its loans and make refinancing easier, if at all possible.

Most analysis argue that Intrawest is a real estate entity with properties that are difficult to sell for value in this market rather than a resort operation like it's biggest competitor Vail.

Mont Tremblant is currently the number one property thought to be on the block. However rumors have been flying in Colorado about suitors looking at Copper Mountain.

Bill Jensen, Intrawest's Chief Executive has stated recovery in the ski industry will probably not occur until the 2011-12 ski season.

See Squeezed by debt, Intrawest eyes asset sale, Ski industry should expect long recovery, says Intrawest CEO Bill Jensen and Intrawest eyes asset sale to pay down debt-report.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Welcome New SAO Instructor Jason Gusaas


Jason brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Ski Area Operations Program. He has worked at Copper Mountain for ten years as the Terrain Parks and ½ Pipe Foreman and has worked for Planet Snow Design for five years traveling the country designing and building parks and pipes. Jason has worked on many nationally televised events such as the Chevy Grand Prix series, Gravity Games, the Vail Honda Session and the Swatch Boardercross Work Tour. "I'm really excited to become a part of the CMC faculty and looking forward to sharing my passion for the ski industry with the students," said Jason. When not snowboarding, Jason enjoys spending time with his friends and family, hunting and fishing.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Smithsonian recognizes snowboarding

The Steamboat Springs Pilot is reporting that the Smithsonian is accepting a collection of the first snowboards ever created. Originally called the Snurfer's the idea was created by a Steamboat resident Sherman Poppen who wanted to get his kids outdoors.

The article describes in detail the evolution of an idea, two skis connected together to the modern day snowboard.

See Smithsonian honors the snowboard's predecessor.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Resorts are adding lifts left and right and mostly up!

Solitude Ski Resort Adds New Powderhorn II Quad Lift

According to Solitude, visitors will enjoy a 7 minute lift ride on the new lift, as opposed to 12 on the old double, a savings of 5 minutes per run on some of the state's steepest groomed terrain. Plus, Honeycomb Canyon will still be conveniently accessed from the top of this lift.

Sugar Bowl resort will access Judah Bowl with new chairlift

The chair will have an uphill capacity of 1,200 people per hour.

As well as expansion

Mammoth Expansion Under Way At Jay Peak Resort

Friday, August 7, 2009

I was quoted in Outside Magazine

I was quoted in the August issue of Outside Magazine about the state of the whitewater kayaking industry. I'm on the board of directors of the Trade Association of Paddlesports and was called because of that position and my legal work in the industry for many years.

I have to remember that when I'm being interviewed by someone they are only going to use one sentence, two if I am lucky (or unlucky). I have been accused, wrongly, of loving to hear myself talk on any inane point. In this case I started the line with the quote language and moved on to say what the industry was now doing right for a few more than one or two sentences. My intelligent and pithy comments were reduced down to the kayak industry did itself in and nobody has bought boats in a while. Too bad because I had said some great things to the writer too!

See: First Look The Evolution of Whitewater Kayaking

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Powder Ridge Ski Area for sale and not too many people are interested.

The Town of Middlefield owns Powder Ridge Ski Area. The ski area was closed last year and the town is attempting to sell the ski area. See Single bidder interested in Powder Ridge and Town gets second bid for Powder Ridge. The second bid came in after the deadline; however officials say it will be accepted.

The ski area has been having troubles for several years. (Google has put a warning on one site that pops up on a search for Powder Ridge saying the site may harm your computer.)

There is also a suit pending by the former owner of the resort against the city claiming the city lowered the value of the ski area and forced him into bankruptcy. See Leavitt lawsuit still pending.

Powder Ridge was also the subject of several lawsuits over the years. See Slauson v. White Water Mountain Resorts of Connecticut, Inc. et al., 2001 Conn. Super. LEXIS 1489, Connecticut Supreme Court overrules prior law in deciding releases no longer valid, Hanks v. Powder Ridge Restaurant Corporation et al. 276 Conn. 314 and Laliberte v. White Water Mountain Resorts, 2004 Conn. Super. LEXIS 2194.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Mt Bachelor Ski Area to try Sliding Scale for Pricing Lift Tickets

Mt. Bachelor Ski Area in Oregon has developed a sliding scale for lift ticket pricing for the 2009-2010 ski season. The price of the lift ticket will be based on open terrain and weather.

Mt. Bachelor is known for big accumulations of snow but also days with low visibility, wind and rime. Prices for the day will be posted on the ski area's website www.mtbachelor.com

See Mt Bachelor Announces 2009-2010 Winter Ticket Products – Introduces Innovative Season-Long Conditions Based Pricing on Single Day Tickets and Oregon's Mt. Bachelor Ski Area Tries Sliding Scale for Lift Ticket Prices

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Les Otten, Sunday River Ski Area manager announces exploratory committee to run for Mayor of Maine

Les Otten the well known manager of Sunday River Ski Area has announced he has formed an exploratory committee to test the waters on running for Governor of Maine. Les most well known as the CEO of the now defunct American Ski Company For a biography check out the Wikipedia page about him, (carefully people are not perfect).

So for all of you lifties out there, there is still hope to become the head of your dynasty.

See Les Otten says he's not taking our support for granted in run for governor By Michael Daniels

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Ski Pass Prices Drop at Sun Valley Resort but Hurry!

Sun Valley Resort announced it had dropped prices on its season passes. If purchased during July, passes will save $500 off the normal season pass price.

Several other passes will be discounted in July including the Season Discount Card, $60, the Weekend Discount Card, $40, and the Early/Late Pass, $199.

See Sun Valley drops ski pass prices or http://www.sunvalley.com/SunValley/info/mtn.ltp.onlinepass.aspx

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Jim Kercher is back at Beaver Creek Ski and Snowboard School

Jim Kercher has a long history of making ski and snowboard schools a success. He turned Copper Mountain's around in one year and reportedly did well with Beaver Creek's. In 2007 Jim left to be the general manger of Alpine Meadow Ski resort in California. However Jim is not back and will be running the Beaver Creek Ski and Snowboard school.

See Jim Kercher Hired as Director of Beaver Creek Ski and Snowboard School

Monday, July 6, 2009

SolVista Basin Ski Resort to Host Mountain Bike National Championship

First time National Championships to be held in Colorado

The USA Cycling Mountain Bike Championships will be held at SolVista Basin Ski Resort's Granby Ranch July 16 through 19, 2009. The professional and amateur racers will compete in cross county, downhill, single speed, super-downhill, mountain cross and short track races over the weeklong event.

Kelli Lusk of USA Cycling stated the "The trail system and base area are perfect for hosting a variety of events and accommodating both the pros and amateurs." The Granby Ranch Mountain Bike Park features ten trails; three black diamond, four blue and three green trails along with a pump track. The trails are rated the same way that ski trails are rated black is expert, blue are intermediate and green are easy.

See Colorado Ski Resort to Host National Mountain Bike Championships in July

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Curt Bender takes Promotion to Cat Driver at Copper Mountain


CMC has been extremely lucky to have a faculty member with the expertise in ski area operations that Curt Bender has. Since 1981 students have learned from the master in snowmaking, grooming, lift maintenance, heavy equipment operations and ski area planning.

Curt is an avid fly fisherman and has taught several courses and was instrumental in getting the fly fishing certificate program started at Timberline.

In addition to getting more fishing in, Curt looks forward to more golfing, too. He will continue to work at Copper Mountain grooming in the ski season.

The Benders have no plans to leave Leadville, at least not until Aubrey is out of high school which isn't until 2013.

The Ski Area Operations program started around 1970 and Curt has been instrumental in keeping the program in line with the industry's progression over the years. "As the ski areas developed and modernized we worked hard to develop and modernize our curriculum and equipment," said Curt.

"When I started in 1981 we had a vintage 1969 snowcat and no snowmaking equipment," said Curt.

CMC now has state-of-the art equipment including a brand new snowcat. "Administration has been constantly supportive in keeping the program modern," said Curt.

While there are many things Curt will miss he said "I'll mostly miss seeing the growth and development of individual students as they have gone through the program and following them in their careers."

Over his 28 years there were many unforgettable events that occurred. When asked, Curt said that the most memorable is probable when he got stranded in a crane truck 30 feet up after knocking the remote control unit out of the basket while working on the lift tower here on campus. Eventually an Outdoor Studies student came by on his mountain bike. "I started yelling to him and he kept looking all around trying to figure out where the voice was coming from," said Curt.

As a credit to his teaching skills, Curt taught the student from 30 feet up how to operate the hand controls and bring him down.

Curt will continue to teach as an adjunct instructor - so we'll still see him around, "especially on tator tot day in the lunch room," added Curt.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Magic Mountain Ski Area is selling shares to its skiers and boarders

Magic Mountain Ski Area is selling shares of shares in a partnership to skiers and boarders who want to own a part of the mountain. See the Magic Mountain Website offering the stock. The entire plan can be found at the Magic Mountain Partnership Business Plan.

Shares will cost $3000 per share. There is even a payment plan so that you can purchase shares over time for three $1000 payments.

The plan lists the following benefits for those who purchase shares:

Shareholders will be entitled to the following:

  • 20% discount on a season pass for adult shareholders (Must be purchased by October 1st each year to receive discount)
  • 50% discount on a season pass for junior shareholders (ages 7-12, Must be purchased by October 1st each year to receive discount)
  • five coupons for discounted lift tickets which they can share with friends and family
  • A free Magic Card entitling the holder to discounts on day tickets throughout the season for shareholders opting not to purchase a season pass.
  • Right of first refusal on new area amenities such as seasonal lockers
  • Direct access to management by way of a customized web page.
  • Opportunity to serve on specialized committees established by the Board
  • For every paid adult pass, shareholders can purchase a 12 and under Junior pass (ages 7-12) for immediate family members at a 50% discount
  • 15% discount on resort services
  • Holders of 4 or more shares receive a free season pass

Magic Mountain Ski Area is located near Londonderry Vermont.

If you cannot afford to purchase a share of the mountain, there are also Save Magic Mountain T-Shirts for sale.